The move is the latest stage of EE’s efforts to steal a march on rivals with its 4G network, which is already up and running. On Thursday the operator said it had passed the 500,000 subscriber milestone.

O2 and Vodafone are expected to introduce their upgraded mobile broadband networks this summer.

Pricing details for the new tariffs have not yet been finalised but they will be launched this summer. EE said they would offer better value, however. Its 4G plans cost up to £76 per month for 20GB of data.

It will mark the first time a British operator has allowed multiple devices on a single contract. Americans are already able to share their data allowance across smartphones and tablets.

Vodafone is rumoured to be preparing a similar offering in time for the introduction of its 4G service in August or September.

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EE was able to introduce its network early because it had a surplus of 2G radio spectrum from the merger of Orange and T-Mobile.

“Passing half a million customers in seven months represents a very solid start for EE’s LTE network, particularly in light of the premium that it has attached to the tariffs and the challenges associated with being first to market,” said Kester Mann, an analyst with CCS Insight.

“This represents a remarkable turn-around for the UK, which is on track to become the largest European market by 4G subscribers this year.

“EE is beginning to look like a market leader that has remembered how to lead. However, we caution that the real proof of the success of the investment in 4G roll-out and customer acquisition will be higher revenue and increased profits.”

EE’s 4G network currently covers around 55pc of the population, in towns and cities. The company plans to cover 98pc of the population by the end of next year.

It will also begin doubling 4G speeds in 10 cities from next week to an average of 24-30 Mbps download speed.